12/11/2016  Shatin  Race 10

CLASSIC EMPEROR put its head down on jumping and began awkwardly. CITRON SPIRIT was crowded for room on jumping between THUNDER STOMP and HAPPY PLACE which shifted out. From a wide barrier, AMBITIOUS PINS was shifted across behind runners in the early stages. Approaching the 1300 Metres, THUNDER STOMP shifted out away from the heels of HAPPY PLACE, resulting in AMBITIOUS PINS being inconvenienced when taken wider. Approaching the 1100 Metres, PRAWN BABA was shifted out away from the heels of CHEERFUL BOY which was over-racing. After the 800 Metres, STARSHIP got its head on the side and lay out, resulting in the horse racing wide and without cover. When questioned, O Doleuze stated that he was asked to ride CHEERFUL BOY in a forward position, however, connections were mindful that CLASSIC EMPEROR would most likely also be ridden in a forward position and had the assistance of a claiming apprentice. He said therefore if CLASSIC EMPEROR pressed forward as anticipated, he should not engage in a speed battle with that horse, rather take a sit behind CLASSIC EMPEROR and obtain the “box seat”. He said, as anticipated, CLASSIC EMPEROR was ridden aggressively in the early stages to obtain the lead and he therefore commenced to steady CHEERFUL BOY prior to the 1200 Metres to allow that horse to cross. He said when he did this, CHEERFUL BOY commenced to over-race and then after being crossed by CLASSIC EMPEROR approaching the 1100 Metres CHEERFUL BOY then raced close to the heels of that horse for a short distance. He added, bearing in mind the manner in which CHEERFUL BOY raced today, he suggested to connections that they consider bringing CHEERFUL BOY back in distance to allow the horse to settle better in the run so that it can finish off its races stronger than it did on this occasion. A veterinary inspection of STARSHIP and AMBITIOUS PINS immediately following the race did not show any significant findings. CITRON SPIRIT, CLASSIC EMPEROR and PRAWN BABA were sent for sampling.